The Goodness of God’s Government
By Peter Murcott
O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth Psalm 67:4
Peter Murcott
It is a good thing to be reminded at regular intervals that the government of nations is graciously ordained of God. Scripture declares: “By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth” (Proverbs 8:15,16). To this, the New Testament adds: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers” (Romans 13:1).
These and other comparable portions of Scripture are applicable everywhere. It matters not whether a country is an empire, a kingdom, or a republic. It makes no difference whether it is a one-party state, or a democracy, or of any other constituted character. Those who govern receive their power to do so from God. It does not emanate from the people, even if their constitution is worded that way. Paul continues: “For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (verse 1).
An unalterable reality
That is the unalterable reality whether it is acknowledged or not. That is why Scripture says that “the throne is established by righteousness” (Proverbs 16:12b). It is, of course, perfectly possible for governments to ignore the implications of this and to pass laws in open defiance to the word of God. Yet Scripture warns: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts” (Proverbs 21:2). Therefore, remember that no rebellion against God will succeed (see also Psalm 93).
These realities should be known and acted upon; but the faithful, especially at the present time, might well ask: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3). How should Christians respond where God’s holy laws are ignored? What should they bear in mind? The psalm just quoted supplies the first limb of the answer. The foundations of truth simply cannot be destroyed by being disregarded. “The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.” God is in full control. Therefore, look to Him! Love and obey Him! Have faith in Him! Boldly make His way known! Never give up! Above all, never depart from His holy word; rather receive it gratefully.1
1. The Gladness of God’s People.
Our text speaks of joy. It begins by saying: “O let the nations be glad and sing for joy.” Singing is one of the most natural ways expressing exhilaration. It was present at the very beginning of creation. How do we know, for no mortal was there? Hear what God said to Job, in the form of rhetorical questions, as recorded in Job 28:4-7:
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Joy was there for an excellent reason: perfection, power and purity were present, because God was there: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as the great Creator. That is surely a matter for great rejoicing! What is man in comparison? (Psalm 8:4). Why should anyone be awestruck by what he says, thinks, or does, especially when he acts in direct conflict with the word of Almighty God?2 The Bible says of God: “For thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth” (Psalm 67:4). And so He will, no matter what happens.
An immense blessing
Is that more than enough to make every believer to be full of overflowing with gratitude and joy? Psalm 11:7 says: “For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.” This supplies the second limb of what the righteous can do. Remember that the Lord God Almighty is fully aware of all the afflictions of the righteous, especially in days of decadence, and of national apostasy. Moreover, as Psalm 34:19 promises: “the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”
Therefore, brother, sister in Christ, stand firmly upon the rock of truth where your feet were set at your salvation (Psalm 40:2). Walk in God’s good way, “and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16b).
The joy of the Lord is a direct result and an expression of saving health, mentioned in Psalm 67:2. It keeps you faithful to God through thick and think, especially if, like physical health, it is looked after. Mortal man on the other hand is governed by moods – especially by the mood of the moment, which is hostile to the word of God. Those who are not blessed with saving health are very susceptible to the malign influences of the age. In contrast, those full of the joy of the Lord can effectually declare:
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.3
How does the psalmist continue? “O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.” This draws attention to –
2. The Goodness of God’s Government
Back in the 17th century there was political upheaval in Britain about how the nation was to be governed. There were two conflicting views. The first one regarded all political power as resting primarily in the monarch’s hands. This was known as “the divine right of kings,” which taught that the king should not be challenged as to what he did, or be compelled, if necessary, to change course. The theory then, then, was that the King was answerable to God alone, and that on earth he was, in effect, God’s vice-gerent to whom unquestioning loyalty and obedience was always due.4
The alternative view was that government was a power-sharing partnership between the monarch and the people’s elected representatives. The two propositions were poles apart, making conflict inevitable.
The ultimate safeguard
And conflict there was until 1688 when it was established that all law-making would take place between the monarch and Parliament, acting together. Moreover, (and this is of fundamental importance), it was also agreed that all national laws should conform to the Laws of God and to the Christian faith. This was established by the Coronation Oath Act 1688 that, amongst other things, required the monarch solemnly to swear to maintain to the utmost of his or her power the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel. That Act is still in force.
That was truly a matter of rejoicing because it meant that the nation’s government ought to serve the people righteously, by establishing what was right and wrong in the sight of God.
The present day
Why is this noble principle not conspicuous today? One reason is that in 1688 monarchs had far more power than they now have, meaning that now this ultimate safeguard is virtually impossible to exercise.5 Secondly, the Act represented the political consensus of the day that the sovereignty and the supremacy of God overarched the laws of the land. That consensus no longer exists.
What to do
Yet the Psalmist insists: “O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt govern the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.” Yes; Christians should be overjoyed that God retains sovereign control; but what can be done about the current state of the nation?
1. Do not be unduly dismayed
Yes; the days are dark. Without doubt, the nation has gone badly astray. Therefore, pray for it, individually and corporately, and especially for those who govern. Remember, God’s word will prevail.
2. Be a light in a dark place
“Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.” Give Him the supremacy that is His due. “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” i.e. the fear of the Lord (1 Peter 3:15).
3. Be aware of the relevant Scriptures
Some of them have already been quoted. There are others such as 2 Samuel 23:2. Learn and quote them. Remember that the word of God stands for ever (Psalm 119:89; 1 Peter 1:25).
4. Beware of acclimatisation
There is a real danger of capitulation to the spirit of the age by acquiescing in it.6 The corrupting power of the national departure from God’s word is both subtle and sinister. O be very watchful!
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). May this ever govern your hearts, words and deeds.
1 In this, take heed and take heart from what it says. Read Psalm 91 for comfort. Read Psalm 93 for reassurance. Notice especially verses 3 and 4 about the futility of man’s rebellion against the word of God. Remember what Christ Jesus said about His words, Mark 13:31.
2 Much wisdom is to be had from the middle verse of the Bible: Psalm 118:8.
3 (Acts 20:24). Spoken by Paul when he was reviewing his life’s work to the elders of Ephesus at Miletus.
4 Kaiser Wilhelm II (reigned 1888-1918) of Germany adhered to this doctrine, even though by his time it was at least a couple of centuries out of date.
5 For instance, William III (1688-1702) refused the Royal Assent to certain Bills, without any adverse consequence. Things are different now.
6 For an article on The Spirit of the Age see BLQ Oct-Dec 2018.